TE Rankings

Tight end is a weird position when it comes to fantasy. One year a player can do great and then the next never be heard from again. The top receiving tight ends put up great numbers but after that it is who is playing hot type situation.

1. Antonio Gates Chargers: I know Witten and Clark caught more balls than Gates did last year so the top 3 are all number 1 to me and can be interchangeable. I put Gates at number one just because of his athleticism. He runs great routes has soft hands and Phillip Rivers loves throwing to him.

2. Dallas Clark Colts: Maybe the best hands in the game. He catches everything that comes his way and is quick enough that he gets open on deep routes. Peyton Manning loves throwing to him and he should get close to 100 receptions again.

3. Jason Witten: Miles Austin became as close to Tony Romo’s favorite receiver last year but Romo still relies on Witten and throws his way often. He should have close to 100 receptions this year as well.

4. Vernon Davis 49ers: Davis has all the skills in the world to be a top tight end. It took him some maturing and tough love from Coach Mike Singletary but he seems to have matured and it showed last season. If Davis has a season like last year with close to 80 catches and 13 tds fantsy owners will love him. Davis will probably be around 80 catches with 10 tds.

5. Brent Celek Eagles: Celek came on last year with close to 80 receptions. In Andy Reid’s offense tight ends are an important piece and Celek should have close to 80 receptions and 10 tds.

6. Jermichael Finley: Finley was banged up a little last year but when he played he had huge numbers. If Finley stays healthy through the whole season he has the potential to be the best receiving tight end in the game. Hopefully he stays healthy because he is fun to watch.

7. Tony Gonzalez Falcons: Gonzalez still caught 80 plus balls last year but his yards were down a little. Gonzalez is getting older and probably will not catch as many balls. He still will put up good fantasy numbers and will be a good starting tight end.

8. Owen Daniels Texans: Daniels would be up higher but he had knee surgery last year and missed half the season. If you project his numbers he would have caught over 80 balls. If healthy Daniels would be a nice tight end to have.

9. Zach Miller Raiders: When Jamrcus Russell was benched last year Miller shined. Miller is an excellent route runner with good hands. Without Russell this year Miller should be even better. Miller has the potential to be listed with the top 5 after this season.

10. Kellen Winslow Buccaneers: Winslow had a nice year with a rookie qb and no other weapons. He is an athletic tight end who is very good. I would be interested to see him play with a team and qb who is good. If so he could put up huge numbers.

11. Visanthe Shancoe Vikings: Shancoe had come into his own the last few years and blossomed when Brett Favre came to Minnesota last year. Favre love throwing to tight ends so Shancoe should have another big year if Favre decides to come back.

12. Chris Cooley Redskins: Cooley got hurt last year and the Redskins missed him. With Donovan McNabb at qb Cooley sgould have a good bounce back year. McNabb loves throwing to the tight end and h-back and Cooley plays both those positions. If Cooley and McNabb stay healthy this could be a nice addition for fantasy owners.

13. Jeremy Shockey Saints: Shockey is ranked higher than some other tight ends because of the offense and team he plays with. If healthy Shockey can put up real good numbers for a fantasy tight end.

14. Dustin Keller Jets: Keller is a big athletic tight end. In the playoffs last year he became Mark Sanchez’s favorite target. In Keller’s 3^rd year in the Jets offense he should be able to get more balls thrown his way. Two things that knocks Keller down a little is that he is on a run first team and a team with weapons at the wr position so he might not get as many balls thrown his way. That being said because of the receivers the Jets will put out there it will allow for match up nightmares for teams going against Keller so he may have a bigger year. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

15. Greg Olson Bears: Olson had a nice year with the Bears last year. He is a good athletic tight end who brings a lot to the position. Unfortunately for him Mike Martz is the new offensive coordinator with the Bears and Martz does not use his tight ends much. So it will be interesting to see what Martz does with the best receiver on the Bears.

16. John Carlson Seahawks: Carlson had a great rookie season but struggled in his second season. That is partially due to the fact that his qb was injured. Carlson is a good player and has the potential to be a good tight end in this league.

17. Heath Miller Steelers: Miller is Ben Rothelisberger’s favorite receiver. Miller has rewarded him with great hands and shown he can make a big play when needed. That being said with Big Ben out for at least 4 weeks it could hurt Miller this season. Miller will still put up big numbers but they may not be as good as previous seasons.

18. Kevin Boss Giants: Boss had a big year for the Giants before he got injured. He had offseason surgery and should come back healthy and ready for a new season. I expect Boss to put up big numbers this year.

19. Jermaine Gresham Bengals: Gresham is a rookie coming in with high expectations. He is a big guy who is athletic and gets to the ball. In the Bengals offense he could be a nice addition and I expect him to come in and contribute right away.

These 19 tight ends will have big fantasy impacts the rest of the rest will be nice bye week replacements and used in case of injuries.

WR Rankings

Onto the wide receivers. This is always the deepest position in fantasy and where players can be found on the waiver wire each week who contribute.

1. Andre Johnson Texans: Over 100 receptions and 1500 yards year in and year out. He fights for the ball when it is in the air and usually gets it. When he gets the ball in space he makes huge plays. Expect him to have another 100 catches and 1500 yards and ten tds.

2. Larry Fitzgerald Cardinals: Fitzgerald will suffer from the losses of Kurt Warner and Anquan Boldin. Warner and Fitzgerald had great chemistry and Fitzgerald knew where Warner was going with the ball and where to go. Also by teaming with Boldin it was tough for teams to put the double team on Fitzgerald. With a question mark at qb qith either Derek Anderson or Matt Leinhart and more double teams Fitzgerald could have a difficult year. That being said Fitzgerald still has great hands and is a receiver who goes to the ball. Though he may have a slow year for his standards Fitzgerald will still have at least 80 catches for 1000 yards and 8 tds.

3. Reggie Wayne Colts: How can Peyton Manning’s favorite target not be in the top 5? Wayne had 100 catches and over 1200 yards last year and 10 tds. Wayne was slowed in the playoffs by a knee injury but he should be fine come opening day. Add in the fact that the Colts have other weapons at receiver and tight end it will allow Wayne to avoid double teams.

4. Miles Austin Cowboys: Austin exploded onto the scene last year and had a huge year. It took awhile before defenses started to plan for him but once they did he still had 81 catches over 1300 yards and 11 tds. With the addition of Dez Bryant and the other weapons the Cowboys have on offense I expect Austin to have another big year in which he will make fantasy owners very happy.

5. Randy Moss Patriots: Moss had another big year with 83 receptions over 1200 yards and 13 tds. That being said Moss may suffer with the loss of Wes Welker for the first few months of the season. Moss is also another year older and he did seem to slow a little. Add in this is the last year of his contract and he is not happy that the Patriots have not tried to extend him and it could be trouble for Moss and the Patriots. Since Moss is so consistent I have him at number 5 but I would be very wary of taking him too early. It could be a long year for Moss.

6. Brandon Marshall Dolphins: Marshall had a big year with Kyle Orton as qb last year. He caught over 100 balls and 10 tds. When Marshall is on he is a top receiver but he hurts himself with his antics. Marshall is playing in Miami where there is nicer weather and a qb who has a cannon for an arm. Barring a set back from the hip surgery Marshall had this offseason he should be at about 100 receptions over 1000 yards and 10 tds.

7. Calvin Johnson Lions: Johnson missed two games last year and played injured in a couple of other and he still managed 67 receptions, over 950 yards in receiving and 5 tds. Add in he was the only offense in Detroit. Matt Stafford should be better in year two and the Lions have surrounded the offense with better playmakers. If Johnson is healthy he should get about 80 catches, over1000 yards, and 10 tds.

8. Roddy White Falcons: White the last few seasons is living up to expectations and has proven to be a top 10 receiver. His speed helps him get open and make big plays. White should have another 80 plus catch season, over 1100 yards and 10 tds. Add in that Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense is better. White has the potential to be a top 5 receiver this year.

9. Sidney Rice Vikings: Rice had a breakout season with Brett Favre at qb. No one knows for sure if Favre is returning (though all signs are that he is) but if he does Rice will have another big year of 80 plus catches, over 1200 yards and 10 tds. Much like Roddy White Rice with Favre has the potential to be a top 5 receiver this season.

10. DeSean Jackson Eagles: Playmaker, playmaker, playmaker. That is DeSean Jackson. Get him the ball and he can score from anywhere. His blazing speed and the moves he has he is a joy to watch. Last year Jackson had 62 receptions and over 1100 yards and 9 tds. Another year of development and I expect bigger and better things from him. The one fear of Jackson this year is the fact that Kevin Kolb will be starting but Kolb should be fine and Jackson will still put up his numbers.

11. Marques Colston Saints: Colston would be ranked higher but he only had 70 receptions last year. He did have over 1000 yards and 9 tds. Colston is the number one option with the Saints so he is a good receiving option. You just hope his receptions go up. As good as the Saints offense is they do hurt you from a fantasy standpoint because Drew Brees is so good at throwing to everyone and that is what hurts Closton.

12. Greg Jennings Packers: Looking at Jennings numbers it surprises me how few receptions and tds he had last year. In every game Jennings did something spectacular to make you think he had more receptions and tds. He finished with 68 catches, over 1100 yards and only 4 tds. His receptions and tds hurt him in fantasy but if he improves on those he could be a top 10 receiver.

13. Anquan Boldin Ravens: Boldin is ready to prove he is a number one receiver and can be good without Larry Fitzgerald. Boldin will have a big year in Baltimore. There are many reasons for this. One Baltimore has a great running game and running back. Because of this teams will have to put players in the box allowing Boldin to have one on one coverage. In 15 games last year Boldin had 84 receptions, over 1000 yards and 4 tds. He should have the same numbers this season. One worry about Boldin is that he plays an aggressive game and because of that he gets nicked and is injured often. That is the one thing to be cautious of with Boldin.

14. Steve Smith Giants: Smith has proven over his first three seasons that he has great hands and he runs great routes. He might not be the quickest player or the receiver that breaks a big play but he is a security blanket for Eli Manning and catches everything that is thrown his way. Smith should have another big reception year. He should grab between 90 and 100 balls for over 1100 yards and 10 tds.

15. Steve Smith Panthers: Smith is a great receiver who is quick and goes to the ball. The last few years his numbers have been down because of injury and qb changes. It looks like do not have a qb who is injury prone this year so if Smith has the continuity he could return to top 5 form and have 80 plus receptions for over 1000 yards and 10 tds.

16. Chad Ochocinco Bengals: Ochocinco bounced back last year after a tough 2009 season. He proved again to be a top receiver and this year should be no different. With the addition of Antonio Bryant and Jermaine Gresham to the Bengals offense it will allow for less double teams for Ochocinco and he should be able to put up 80 plus catches over 1000 yards and 10 tds.

The next group of receivers are just as good but questions due to injuries, suspensions and qb issues, etc makes them not as good as the top 16.

17. Mike Sims-Walker Jaguars: In 14 games last year Sims-Walker put up 63 receptions 800 yards plus and 7 tds. Each week he got better and made for some very happy owners when they picked him up on waivers. I expect him to continue on his break out year and have 80 plus receptions, over 1000 yards and 10 tds.

18. Vincent Jackson: Jackson would be higher but he is suspended for the 1^st four games of the year. That hurts him and add in a contract dispute and I would be leery to select Jackson. At some point he will be sitting on a draft board and in the right position he could be a steal and really help a fantasy team in the second part of the season.

19. Dwayne Bowe Chiefs: When Bowe played last year he was great. He was suspended due to a positive steroids test and him and Todd Haley did not always see eye to eye which is a concern. That being said when Bowe was on he is a top receiver. Could be a nice mid round selection that helps a team over the top.

20. Percy Harvin Vikings: Harvin played great for the Vikings last year and was a threat whenever he got the ball. Harvin was nicked at times last year and suffers from migraines which hurt him as well. If Harvin is healthy he could put up similar stats to DeSean Jackson and that would be a great year for him.

21. Wes Welker Patriots: So the latest report is that he can participate in training camp. The Patriots are sneaky when it comes to injuries. If Welker does play as of week 1 and is 100 % he is a top 10 receiver. That being said I do not think he will be back to himself until at least October so he gets knocked down a little. If he is healthy as of week one someone will have a mid round steal.

22. Hakeem Nicks Giants: Nicks had 47 receptions and close to 800 yards and 6 tds last year. He showed flashes last year and should be relied more heavily this year. Much like the last few receivers Nicks has the potential to have a huge year and help carry a fantasy team deep into the playoffs if he produces what he is capable of.

23. Pierre Garcon Colts: Garcon broke onto the scene last year and had a great season. He should continue to excel and have another great season in the Peyton Manning pass first offense.

The list below are other top receivers that could help your fantasy team.

24. Mike Wallace Pittsburgh

25. Robert Meachem New Orleans

26. Santana Moss Washington

27. Jeremy Maclin Philadelphia

28. T.J. Houshmandzadeh Seattle

29. Steve Breaston Arizona

30. Donald Driver Green Bay

31. Derrick Mason Baltimore

32. Lee Evans Buffalo

33. Devin Aromashodu Chicago

34. Malcom Floyd San Diego

35. Devin Hester Chicago

36. Kenny Britt Tennessee

37. Dez Bryant Dallas

38. Johnny Knox Chicago

39 Eddie Royal Denver

40. Jerricho Cotchery N.Y. Jets

41. Antonio Bryant Cincinnati

42. Braylon Edwards N.Y. Jets

43. Santonio Holmes N.Y. Jets

44. Chris Chambers Kansas City

45. Nate Burleson Detroit

46. Austin Collie Indianapolis

47. Mario Manningham N.Y. Giants

48. Julian Edelman New England

49. Chaz Schilens Oakland

50. Kevin Walter Houston

51. Jabar Gaffney Denver

52. Donnie Avery St. Louis

53. Mohammed Massaquoi Cleveland

54. Bernard Berrian Minnesota

55. Roy E. Williams Dallas

56. Nate Washington Tennessee

57. Terrell Owens Free agent

58.Devin Thomas Washington

59. Davone Bess Miami

60. Joshua Cribbs Cleveland

61. Demaryius Thomas Denver

62. Anthony Gonzalez Indianapolis

63. Laurent Robinson St. Louis

64. Jacoby Jones Houston

65. Early Doucet Arizona

66. Arrelious Benn Tampa Bay

67. Devery Henderson New Orleans

68. Golden Tate Seattle

69. Josh Morgan San Francisco

70. Torry Holt New England

71. Legedu Naanee San Diego

72. Earl Bennett Chicago

73. Mike Williams Tampa Bay

74. Deion Branch Seattle

75. James Jones Green Bay

76. Brian Hartline Miami

77. Jordy Nelson Green Bay $0 10

RB Rankings

Running Back Rankings:

1. Chris Johnson Titans: Johnson is an explosive runner with great vision and cut back abilities. Last year he ran for over 2,000 yards and if he stays healthy has the potential to break the single season rushing record. Johnson has said he will hold out over a contract dispute but I believe he may miss some of training camp and be ready to run week 1.

2. Adrian Peterson Vikings: Though his rushing numbers went down he still had over 40 receptions and 400 plus receiving yards. Add in 18 touchdowns Peterson is the number two fantasy running back. With the line that the Vikings have and the fact that Brett Favre should be returning Peterson should have another big year. With Favre in the fold I do not expect Peterson to get close to 2,000 yards but he has the potential too.

3. Ray Rice Ravens: Maurice Jones-Drew and Rice can flip flop at 3 and 4. I gave a slight edge to Rice because of his receiving skills though Jones-Drew will score more tds. Either way both are great players and bring great skill sets to the game. I expect Rice to continue to get better and have a similar season to last year. With the addition of Anquan Boldin to the receiving core his receptions may drop but I believe his rushing yardage and tds will go up.

4. Maurice Jones-Drew Jaguars: MJD has proven he is an every down back and had a great year last year. I expect him to duplicate what he did last year. Have about 1,400 yards, 15 tds and about 50 receptions.

This is where the running backs drop off and you need to find players with upside. A couple of guys maybe ranked higher than they should here but I am taking receptions and upside into accountability here.

5. Steven Jackson Rams: The lone shining light in St. Louis last year. Jackson is an excellent player who can catch and run. His tds were down last year because he played on an awful team and his tds will hurt him as a fantasy player this year. That aside his numbers are still there and they are solid. If he gets more tds his number 5 ranking will be worth it.

6. Jamal Charles Chiefs: Charles had a great second half of the season and really shined for the Chiefs in a down year. With the addition of Thomas Jones it will allow for Charles to stay fresher and be able to do even better. I expect him to have about 1,300 yards, 50 catches, and 10 tds. Charles is very much like Steven Jackson. I may have ranked him a little high but I believe he is on the rise and is set to have a big year.

7. Rashard Mendenhall Steelers: Mendenhall very quietly put up good numbers last year. I expect him to improve off of that this year. With Big Ben not there for at least four games the Steelers will rely on the run and Mendenhall earlier in the year. He should have about 1300 yards, 45 receptions and 10 tds. Another guy on the rise.

8. Frank Gore 49ers: Gore is a good player who runs well, gets tds, and catches the ball. That being said injuries have hurt him the last few years and with the 49ers in the weak NFC West they hope to keep Gore healthy for a stretch run to clinch a playoff spot. Because of that I see Glenn Coffee getting more carries and if Gore is nicked up him not playing as much. Gore a guy on the downfall.

9. Michael Turner Falcons: Turner had a great 2008. Injuries derailed him in 09. Turner can be a steal for someone if he returns to his 08 form. Last year injuries hurt his rushing numbers but he still had 10 tds. If healthy Turner will get about 1300-1400 yards and 15 tds. He does not get many receptions so in a PPR league he could hurt you. Turner is a risk reward pick. If healthy you will love him. If injured he could ruin your fantasy season.

10. DeAngelo Williams Panthers: DeAngelo Williams busted onto the scene in 2008. Every time you turned around he was making a big play. Injuries hurt him last year. He missed three games but still went over 1100 yards and had 7 tds. Much like Michael Turner, injuries will be a factor with DeAngelo Williams. If healthy Williams is a top 5 back in this league. If not it could be trouble for your fantasy team. In a PPR league Williams should help as well.

11. Ryan Matthews Chargers: Rookies are tough to call when ranking them. They either have great break out years or disappoint. Matthews should have a 1000 yard year with 10 tds and a number of catches. He is placed here because of his upside. Norv Turner says Matthews may touch the ball 300 times. If that is true and it should be close to that Matthews will have a huge fantasy impact. Some concerns with Matthews is that he is a rookie, San Diego is a passing offense, and left tackle Marcus McNeil is in a contract dispute.

12. Ryan Grant Packers: Grant has been a consistent fantasy running back the last few years and he will continue to be. In the late first round early second round Grant will be a nice pick for a fantasy team. Expect 1200 yards and 10 tds from him.

At this point it this is where fantasy seasons are won. The top 12 should be consistent and dependable for you barring injuries. The players listed below are good players but are either in a running back tandem, or injuries have affected their play and are injury concerns.

13. LeSean McCoy Eagles: Can he handle the load. If so he could have huge numbers in that offense.

14. Knowshon Moreno Broncos: He had an ok rookie season and at times showed how special he can be. He should put up good numbers.

15. Cedric Benson Bengals: Legal issues could get him suspended. If he plays should put up good rushing numbers and tds. If suspended it would hurt him but he will help someone when he returns.

16. Shonn Greene Jets: If Greene stays healthy and that is a big if he could get close to 1500 yards and 10 plus tds with that line.

17. Jonathan Stewart Panthers: Had over 1000 yards last and 10 tds. Is a good player and if DeAngelo Williams is hurt can be a great player to have.

The rest of the players either missed games due to injury or did not start at the beginning of the year but will be nice bye week replacements or fill in for injuries.

18. Jahvid Best

19. Pierre Thomas:

20. Ronnie Brown:

21. Felix Jones:

22. Matt Forte:

23. Justin Forsett:

24. Joseph Addai:

25. Ahmad Bradshaw:

26. Brandon Jacobs:

28. Michael Bush:

29. Ben Tate:

30. Donald Brown:

31. Marion Barber:

32. Fred Jackson:

33. Ricky Williams:

34. Montario Hardesty:

35. Jerome Harrison:

36. Cadillac Williams:

37. Laurence Maroney:

38. Tim Hightower:

39. Larry Johnson:

40. Darren McFadden:

41. Derrick Ward:

42. Reggie Bush:

43. C.J. Spiller:

44. Darren Sproles:

45. Clinton Portis:

46. LaDanian Tomlinson:

47. Steve Slaton:

48. Thomas Jones:

49. Marshawn Lynch:

50. Chester Taylor:

51. Willis McGahee:

52. Mike Bell:

53. Arian Foster:

54. Lynell Hamilton:

55. Leon Washington:

56. Correll Buckhalter:

57. Kevin Faulk:

58. Julius Jones:

59. Tashard Choice:

60. Sammy Morris:

61. Kevin Smith:

62. Glen Coffee:

63. Bernard Scott:

64. Toby Gerhart:

65. Jerious Norwood:

66. Joe McNight:

67. Jason Snelling:

68. Fred Taylor:

69. Mewelde Moore:

70. Le’Ron McClain:

71. Deji Karim:

72. Lex Hilliard:

73. Brandon Jackson:

74. Javon Ringer:

75. Chris Ogbonnaya:

76. Jonathon Dwyer::

77. Earnest Graham:

78. Rashad Jennings:

79. Tyrell Sutton

80. LenDale White::